Word of the Year 2022

 

Since New Year 2008, instead of making new years’ resolutions, I’ve been choosing a word of the year. At this time of year I consider and select a word which expresses something of what I want to explore or become or be influenced by in the coming year. 

Previous words have been: freedom, curiosity, enjoy, balance, passion, nurture, sustain, restore, clear, build, integrate, gentle and fit. Some words have been better than others: highlights have been freedom, passion, clear and fit; whereas balance and sustain, while seemingly good words, were terrible to live with. 

This year my word is poise. As with many ideas, it came to me as I was walking in the park. The main thing to say about it is that I don’t think I could have chosen this word if I hadn’t allowed some of the previous words to work in me. 

I began with the dictionary and thesaurus, which is where I often begin when seeking to understand or illustrate something. Then I made this. 

I then went on, informed by these synonyms, to draw the picture that begins this post. I edited the image on my iPad and added the filter that provides the cream background and softened hues. While I want the word to work change in my life, I want it to be in a spirit of gentleness, so the more muted colours seem appropriate. 

I hope that Poise will be joining the list of highlight words as I journey with it through 2022.